Combination Pogo Stick and Hauling Device

ABSTRACT

A combination pogo stick and hauling device comprising a tubular frame having a “pogo” end and a “hauler” end, footpeg-handle elements attached at both ends thereof, telescopically and slidably fitted into the “pogo” end of the frame is a stem with a ground-engaging element at an external end, a spring is provided for acting axially between the frame and the stem; arranged at the “hauler” end of the frame are a steering headset, a lock member for locking and unlocking the steering headset, a coupling element attached to the steering headset, and a wheel-fork assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/843,160 filed Jul. 5, 2013.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to pogo sticks, specifically the invention is a combination pogo stick and hauling device.

2. Prior Art

There is a need for a combination pogo stick and hauling device. Pogo sticks and hauling devices are very well known inventions that have been in existence for many years.

The pogo stick generally comprises an upper tubular member having hand graspable portions at an upper end and foot-engaging portions at a lower end. Telescopically and slidably fitted into the lower end of the upper tubular member is a lower tubular member having a ground-engaging element, and a spring being provided acting axially between the tubular members. Examples of such pogo sticks are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,793,036, 6,390,956, 6,503,177 and shown in U.S. Design Pat. 215,552, 316,280 and 462,726.

Hauling devices exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, sometimes commonly referred to as dollies, handcarts, hand trucks, hauling jacks, and tow jacks. Common hauling device configurations generally comprise upright tubular members, handles, a wheel assembly, and a base platform or cart. Examples of such various hauling devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,287,777, 7,934,730 8,262,105 and shown in U.S. Design Pat. 205,399, 324,285 and 356,197.

While these patents respectively describe a variety of pogo sticks and hauling devices, we have found no such devices capable of illustrating a combination pogo stick and hauling device.

Some of the disadvantages of the above mentioned inventions consist of having two well known products as separate products. If a user has only one of the products, the user lacks the benefits and advantages provided by the missing product, however the case may be.

Previously, there was not a combination accommodating the benefits and advantages of a pogo stick and a hauling device into one single structure. To address these issues, a combination pogo stick and hauling device needed to be designed providing more than just the known respective benefits and advantages provided by the pogo stick and the hauling device. For example, the user may find new results of use by connecting and changing a wide variety of devices (e.g., cart, platform, wheeled board) to the present invention.

For these reasons, according to our experiences and knowledge in researching in the products, the present invention of combination pogo stick and hauling device, without the faults of the traditional pogo sticks and hauling devices, is finally developed after continuously studying and improving.

The prior art teaches pogo sticks and hauling devices having respectively their general structures. However, the prior art does not teach the specific combination, methods of operations and features described in the following summary.

In conclusion, insofar as we are aware, none of the above inventions and patents are seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY

It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a combination pogo stick and hauling device, which eliminates the aforesaid drawbacks.

In accordance with one embodiment a combination pogo stick and hauling device may comprise a tubular frame having a “pogo” end and a “hauler” end, footpeg-handle elements located at both “pogo” and “hauler” ends thereof, telescopically and slidably fitted into the “pogo” end of the frame is a stem having a ground-engaging element, a spring is being provided acting axially between the frame and the stem; arranged at the “hauler” end of the frame is a steering headset, a lock member that locks and unlocks the steering headset, a coupling element connecting to the steering headset, and supported on a wheel-fork assembly.

Several additional objects and advantages of the present invention are to provide a structure which is novel and multifunctional; to provide easy and safe ways of connecting and combining different devices as one single structure; to provide easy and safe mechanisms for handling and adjustments; to provide a structure which is great for entertainment, transporting and healthy exercise; and to provide a structure having advantages not taught by the prior art.

According to the present invention, these and other objects, features, benefits and advantages are accomplished by the combination of elements hereinafter described and particularly recited in the claims. It will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

Therefore, we have derived the present invention which further allows a user to be able to combine a variety of devices and still keep their characters.

DRAWINGS Figures

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view of the present invention, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a view of the present invention, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view of the present invention, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view of the present invention, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view of the present invention, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND METHODS OF OPERATION

Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific materials and ramifications are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.

Various operations will be described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation.

The terms “one embodiment” and “in one embodiment” are used repeatedly. The terms do not refer to the same embodiment, however it may be. The terms “comprising,” “consisting,” and “having,” along with their derivatives, are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise.

The present invention combines the functionality of both pogo sticks and hauling devices into one single structure. In one embodiment, the combination pogo stick and hauling device has a frame having a “pogo” end and a “hauler” end, footpeg-handle elements at both ends thereof, a spring, and a stem. In one embodiment, the combination pogo stick and hauling device has a steering headset, a lock member, a coupling element, and a wheel-fork assembly.

When the user wishes to use the combination pogo stick and hauling device in “pogo mode,” the user locks the steering headset via the lock member, grips handle portions of the footpeg-handle elements positioned at the “hauler” end of the frame, stands upon footpeg portions of the footpeg-handle elements positioned at the “pogo” end of the frame, and bounces up and down with the use of the spring and the stem.

When the user wishes to use the combination pogo stick and hauling device in the “hauler mode,” the user uses the coupling element to connect a wheeled device of his/her choice, releases the lock member to allow steering, grips handle portions of the footpeg-handle elements positioned at the “pogo” end of the frame, and moves the device supported on the wheel-fork assembly.

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a combination pogo stick and hauling device in accordance with the present invention, comprising: a frame 110, a stem 120, a spring (not visible), footpeg-handle elements 130, a steering headset 210, a lock member 220, a coupling element 230, and a wheel-fork assembly 240. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the combination pogo stick and hauling device 100 as being in “pogo mode” where the combination pogo stick and hauling device 100 is being vertically supported on the stem 120. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the combination pogo stick and hauling device 200 as being in “hauler mode” where the combination pogo stick and hauling device 200 is being vertically supported on the wheel-fork assembly 240.

The frame 110 having a one end designated as “pogo” end and an other end designated as “hauler” end. The frame 110 preferably of tubular stock made of metallic material, but other rigid materials may be suitable.

The stem 120 is being telescopically and slidably fitted into the “pogo” end of the frame 110. The stem 120 is arranged to slide between a retracted position and an extended position controlled via a holding member (not shown) which is inserted through through-holes (not shown) adjacent the “pogo” end of the frame 110 and through oblong apertures (not shown) in the stem 120. The stem 120 preferably of tubular stock made of aluminum, but other rigid materials are suitable. The stem 120 further having a ground-engaging element 125 (e.g. rubber, plastic) positioned at an external end for cushioning ground-engaging impacts. Materials and assemblies of the stem 120 and the ground-engaging element 125 are well known in the art of pogo sticks.

The spring (not visible) is positioned within the frame 110. The spring acting axially between the frame 110 and the stem 120 for biasing the stem 120 towards the extended position. The spring preferably being a compression spring, but other materials are suitable.

Footpeg-handle elements 130 are positioned at or adjacent both “pogo” and “hauler” ends of the frame 110. Footpeg-handle elements 130 are provided for the user to use as dual-purpose handgrip and footrest devices when the combination pogo stick and hauling device 100, 200 is used either in the “pogo mode” or in the “hauler mode.” The footpeg-handle elements 130 comprising of a handle portion 132 and a footpeg portion 134 connected to one another. The handle portions 132 being positioned nearer toward the ends of the frame 110. The footpeg-handle elements 130 preferably made of aluminum, but other rigid materials may be suitable.

The steering headset 210 is arranged adjacent the “hauler” end of the frame 110. The steering headset 210 is provided to allow rotational steering movement when the combination pogo stick and hauling device 200 is used in the “hauler mode.” The steering headset 210 preferably comprising a sleeve between two ball bearings. Materials and assembly of steering headset 210 are well known in the arts.

The lock member 220 enables the locking and/or unlocking of the steering headset 210 via through-openings (not visible) located in the sleeve of the steering headset 210 and in the frame 110 when the combination pogo stick and hauling device 100, 200 is either used between the “pogo mode” and the “hauler mode.” The lock member 220 preferably consisting of a metallic pin, but other materials and/or components may be suitable.

The coupling element 230 is fixedly attached to the steering headset 210, and more specifically attached to the sleeve of the steering headset 210. The coupling element 230 is provided to allow the user to connect wheeled devices of choice. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the coupling element 230 preferably comprising of two wall plates 234 mounted on a base plate 232. Each wall plate 234 preferably having a plurality of openings 236 for enabling the coupling of devices and also enabling the locking/unlocking of devices which may be arranged to move from an extended (or collapsed) position to a collapsed (or extended) position. The coupling element 230 preferably made of metallic material, but other materials may be suitable.

The wheel-fork assembly 240 is positioned at the “hauler” end of the frame 110. The wheel-fork assembly 240 is used for mobility of the combination pogo stick and hauling device 200, thus enabling the user to pull and/or push the combination pogo stick and hauling device 200 when used in “hauler mode” position. The wheel-fork assembly 240 preferably comprising at least one wheel 242 which is pivotally secured to a fork 244.

The materials and assemblies of various structural components described herein are readily available and well known in the prior arts. Additional components may be installed to provide additional safety and comfort. These components may consist of, but not limited to, handgrips, footpeg pads, and safety sleeves.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4 again, the combination pogo stick and hauling device 100, 200 is readily assembled to be used by the user by simply and easily positioning the present invention in either the “pogo mode” or “hauler mode” position.

In operation, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the combination pogo stick and hauling device 100, in the “pogo mode,” enables the user to lock the steering headset 210 via the lock member 220, and preferably standing from the opposite side of the coupling element 230 grip the handle portions 132 of the footpeg-handle elements 130 located at the “hauler” end of the frame 110, stand upon the footpeg portions 134 of the footpeg-handle elements 130 located at the “pogo” end of the frame 110, and bounce up and down with the use of the spring (not visible) and the stem 120 in a manner well known in the art of pogo sticks.

In operation, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the combination pogo stick and hauling device 200, in the “hauler mode,” enables the user to connect a wheeled device of his/her choice via the coupling element 230, release the lock member 220 to allow steering, grip the handle portions 132 of the footpeg-handle elements 130 located at the “pogo” end of the frame 110, and move the device with the use of the wheel-fork assembly 240 in a manner well known in the art of hauling devices. Footpeg portions 134 of the footpeg-handle elements 130 located at the “hauler” end of the frame 110 may also be used as needed by the user.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, a combination pogo stick and hauling device 300, comprising: a frame 110, a stem 120, a spring (not visible), footpeg-handle elements 130, a steering headset 210, a lock member 220, a coupling element 230, and a wheel-fork assembly 240. In this embodiment, the combination pogo stick and hauling device 300 having the footpeg-handle elements 130 being attached to the steering headset 210.

The description and operation of components in FIG. 5 are the same as the description and operation of components in FIGS. 1 through 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, a combination pogo stick and hauling device 400, comprising: a frame 110 having a “pogo” end and a “hauler” end, individual handles 140 and individual footpegs 150 located at or adjacent both ends thereof, a stem 120, a spring (not visible), a steering headset 210, a lock member 220, a coupling element 230, and a wheel-fork assembly 240. In this embodiment, handles 140 and footpegs 150 are used in lieu of footpeg-handle elements 130.

The description and operation of components in FIG. 6 are the same as the description and operation of components in FIGS. 1 through 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, a combination pogo stick and hauling device 500, comprising: a frame 110 having a “pogo” end and a “hauler” end, handles 140 located at or adjacent both ends thereof, footpegs 150 located at or adjacent the “pogo” end thereof, a stem 120, a spring (not visible), a steering headset 210, a lock member 220, a coupling element 230, and a wheel-fork assembly 240.

The description and operation of components in FIG. 7 are the same as the description and operation of components in FIGS. 1 through 4.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of our combination pogo stick and hauling device become evident:

(a) By essence, it eliminates the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art.

(b) It provides a multiple use and beneficial device.

(c) It provides a structure which is novel.

(d) It provides entertainment.

(e) It provides healthy exercising.

(f) It facilitates combinations with other devices, thus providing more useful results.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION

Thus the reader will see that the combination pogo stick and hauling device provides more than just the mutually exclusive functions and characters of the pogo stick and the hauling device.

The present invention provides the user to connect other devices and find new, easy and safe ways of uses.

In addition, the present invention provides consolidation of elements having collective and multiple uses and advantages.

Furthermore, the present invention provides safe mechanisms for handling and adjustments.

While our present invention contains many specifities and it has been related in terms of the foregoing embodiments and operations, these should not be construed as limitations on the spirit and scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and operations described. Many other variations are possible either in combination or separately.

Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

We claim:
 1. A combination pogo stick and hauling device, comprising: a frame having a “pogo” end and a “hauler” end, footpeg-handle elements located adjacent both the “pogo” and “hauler” ends thereof, telescopically and slidably fitted into the “pogo” end of the frame is a stem having a ground-engaging element at an external end, a spring positioned in the frame and acting axially between the frame and the stem; arranged at the “hauler” end of the frame are a steering headset, a lock member that locks and unlocks the steering headset, a coupling element connecting to the steering headset, and supported on a wheel-fork assembly.
 2. The combination pogo stick and hauling device of claim 1, wherein said footpeg-handle elements having a footpeg portion and a handle portion.
 3. The combination pogo stick and hauling device of claim 1, wherein said coupling element having a plurality of coupling openings.
 4. The combination pogo stick and hauling device of claim 1, wherein said spring is a compression spring.
 5. The combination pogo stick and hauling device of claim 1, wherein said frame further having at least a through-opening.
 6. The combination pogo stick and hauling device of claim 1, wherein said frame comprising of tubular stock.
 7. The combination pogo stick and hauling device of claim 1, wherein said steering headset having at least a through-opening.
 8. The combination pogo stick and hauling device of claim 1, wherein said lock member engaging through through-openings of said steering headset and said frame.
 9. The combination pogo stick and hauling device of claim 1, wherein said wheel-fork assembly comprising a wheel pivotally engaging a fork.
 10. A combination pogo stick and hauling device, comprising: a frame having a “pogo” end and a “hauler” end, handles and footpegs arranged adjacent both the “pogo” and “hauler” ends thereof, telescopically and slidably fitted into the “pogo” end of the frame is a stem having a ground-engaging element at an external end, a spring positioned in the frame and acting axially between the frame and the stem; arranged at the “hauler” end of the frame are a steering headset, a lock member that locks and unlocks the steering headset, a coupling element connecting to the steering headset, and a wheel-fork assembly.
 11. A combination pogo stick and hauling device, comprising: a frame having a “pogo” end and a “hauler” end, handles positioned adjacent both the “pogo” and “hauler” ends thereof, footpegs located adjacent the “pogo” end thereof; telescopically and slidably fitted into the “pogo” end of the frame is a stem having a ground-engaging element at an external end, a spring positioned in the frame and acting axially between the frame and the stem; arranged at the “hauler” end of the frame are a steering headset, a lock member that locks and unlocks the steering headset, a coupling element connecting to the steering headset, and supported on a wheel-fork assembly. 